Harry Fry’s seven-year-old made it two from two over fences with victory at Leicester
It’s not often you see a future Cheltenham winner run in a Leicester Novice Chase but bookmakers were quick to react to Acting Lass’ victory at the Midlands venue on Thursday afternoon by cutting him into 16/1 for the JLT Chase in March.
Second behind top class hurdler Finian’s Oscar last season over hurdles, the Harry Fry inmate has relished the larger obstacles on his two starts over fences and put in another assured performance from the front under Noel Fehily. Available at 25/1 before his Leicester win, the performance also so his odds shortened for the Close Brothers Novice Handicap Chase for which his is now as short as 12/1.
Another recent mover in the JLT market is current Arkle favourite Footpad who is as short as 7/4 with Bet365. This follows comments made by Anthony Bromley, racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, who said: "I'm not ruling out Willie putting an entry in the JLT, and he may well get entered in that, but he will be kept in novice company."
With the owners also having Sceau Royal towards the top of the Arkle market, there has been speculation the two will be kept apart with Footpad proven over further when running over hurdles.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: "Punters should look at large Cheltenham moves with some caution at this time of year. Footpad's tumble, for example, comes after the firm have gone 'no runner no bet', so they will naturally cut the runner's price as the punter will get his stake returned should the horse not run in the race,"
